Mystic, about the midpoint between NYC and Boston, is a fantastic getaway. In less than a two-hour drive, our family left the sweltering heat of the city for some quiet time in this quaint riverside community. Long before Julia Roberts and Co. made Mystic famous with a little film about a local pizza place (more about that in just a bit), Mystic was a shipbuilding town — there’s a rich history here to enjoy along with a sunset sail and walks along the river. Where To Eat The Engine Room This rustic, romantic spot was the perfect place to celebrate my wedding anniversary. I’m not usually especially jazzed about tofu, but my Smoked Tofu Salad (quinoa, spinach, mint, roasted carrots, toasted peanuts & ginger apricot dressing) was one of the best salads I’ve had in a long time. My husband Seth opted for the Crispy Tofu Burger, and there’s also a Portobello Burger on the menu. Definitely start with the Black-Eyed Pea Hummus, served with crispy sesame flatbread. The Oyster Club Sister restaurant of The Engine Room, a little more upscale and intimate. When we made our reservation, we gave them a heads up the vegans were coming, though there is a salad and entree that are already do-able. When we arrived, however, the chef wanted to surprise us a bit. So, in lieu of the salad on the menu as a starter, we were served fresh blueberries and basil drizzled with olive oil, and then an equally simple but bursting-with-flavor tomato salad. The entree — available on the regular menu — was a delicious mild tofu curry. If you’re up for a cocktail, I recommend a classic martini made with a local Connecticut vodka. The Treehouse (at The Oyster Club) Reservation for 8pm at the Oyster Club? Head over early to allow yourself time for a drink at The Treehouse beforehand. You’ll climb the wooden stairs to an expansive deck area situated in the treetops — a little playful, a little magical — for a beer, a glass of vine or perhaps even a fruity cocktail. If you’re visiting Mystic, this one-of-a-kind place is not to be missed. The Boathouse A casual atmosphere, with a delicious black bean burger on the menu. We topped ours with sauteed mushrooms and carmelized onions. A nice (and inexpensive) meal, and also very family-friendly: a great choice if you’re traveling with kids or a group. Noca In the heart of downtown, just a stroll away from the drawbridge across the Mystic River. We had a wonderful lunch here, lured in by the Strawberry Basil Bruschetta on the menu, which did not disappoint. We then split a Veggie Panini that was absolutely de-lish: the grilled zucchini, squash, and roasted peppers were cooked just right — not squishy and soggy! And there was a light schmear of black bean hummus on the fresh, slightly crispy bread. I know a veggie panini may not sound particularly exciting but, trust me, this is the way it’s meant to be done. Mystic Pizza You knew it was coming. How could you visit Mystic and not go to the pizza place that inspired the 1980s Julia Roberts flick? No, the interior looks nothing like the interior of the place in the movie; and even the exterior shots are of a different building, though the film was shot around Mystic. And no, Mystic Pizza is not offering up a bunch of vegan options. But they were happy to veganize the Vegetarian Pie on the menu: hold the cheese and use marinara instead of the usual pizza sauce. The two-story restaurant — no surprise — is very busy (I’m guessing mostly tourists), service is very friendly, and it’s very fun to watch scenes from the movie (TV screens in the rooms)...

On a recent long weekend to Beantown, I had a chance to check out some local spots. So, whether you’re walking the Freedom Trail, heading to the ball park, or just looking for a romantic getaway, here are a few of my favorites. Veggie Galaxy Even if you don’t have a family member named after a famous astronomer as we do, this vegetarian diner/vegan bakery in Cambridge is a great place for brunch or lunch. Inside, the retro diner — complete with booths and tall glass pie case — was bustling with activity; with Galileo, we were able to enjoy patio dining and some people-watching on Massachusetts Ave. Not all the menu items are vegan, but VG is happy to substitute eggs with tofu and cheese with Daiya or its own homemade vegan cheese. Though the Benedict and Stuffed French Toast were tempting, my husband Seth and I went with lunch options. The Reuben came with copious slices of shaved corned “beef” seitan, homemade kraut, and vegan Thousand Island (we ordered it on rye, naturally!) and The Club was a delicious veganized version of what anyone from New Jersey knows is a “#2” on any diner menu in the state — the turkey club. Here, you’ll get the triple decker with homemade tempeh bacon and smoked tofu, with balsamic tomatoes and red onion providing the perfect finishing touches. When in Rome… save room for a slice of Boston Cream Pie. Or at least, take it to go. Galileo savored his sample (the non-chocolate part of...

For Otis, who joined his brother Pushkin in heaven on November 5, 2014. Originally written and shared on the Letters To Pushkin web site. 24 December 2014 Dear Otis, Merry Christmas to my dear, sweet boy. My handsome, stalwart one. My little New Yorker. My hunk-a-chunk-a-love. The rock of our family. The glue that keeps it together. The little prana running around our home. My great joy. All these phrases I used over and over...

Over the past six years, I’ve had such fun exploring, sampling, and sharing with you all the amazing cruelty-free alternatives I’ve discovered. What better way to wrap things up — my 283rd and final piece! — than with an updated list of my faves here in my home of the Big Apple. As many of you know, I returned to the city a little over a year ago after spending the last nine years...